In the world of post-treatment recovery, the gym can often feel like an intimidating place. For many survivors, the goal is to rediscover what their bodies are capable of after a life-changing event. Finding a coach who understands that transition is essential.
That’s one reason why we are thrilled to introduce one of our newest partners in the Chattanooga area: Mathias Porter, owner of 3 Bridges CrossFit & Personal Training. Mathias brings a unique background and a deep commitment to helping survivors move from the mindset of being a patient to someone who is getting stronger every day.
From Service to Strength: A Natural Fit for the Mission
Mathias grew up on Signal Mountain just outside Chattanooga and has spent much of his life rooted in service. Before opening his gym, he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and served five years as a Navy EOD Officer. That background in high-stakes environments gave him a profound appreciation for resilience, but it was his passion for fitness that led him back home to Chattanooga. Mathias first connected with Survivor Fitness by hosting the Rock the Row fundraiser.
“Once I learned about the mission and what Survivor Fitness does for cancer survivors, I was excited to get more involved,” Mathias shared. That excitement turned into a formal partnership, and he is currently working with his first participant.
Focusing on Consistency Over Intensity
For Mathias, the key to a successful recovery routine is simple but profound: Consistency over intensity.
“The temptation—especially for people who were active before their diagnosis—is to try to get back to where they were as fast as possible,” Mathias explained. “But recovery isn’t linear. The most important thing you can build in the early stages is the habit of showing up.”
Like our other fitness partners, Mathias develops an individualized plan for each participant. He meets participants exactly where they are, focusing on rebuilding capacity gradually and celebrating small wins. By creating a safe, supportive environment, he helps strip away the intimidation factor often associated with walking into a gym.
Mathias also highlights a growing trend in fitness that is incredibly relevant for cancer survivors: the vital importance of strength training.
“More and more people are recognizing the real benefits of lifting weights—and not just for aesthetics,” Mathias said. “Strength training has a direct impact on longevity and mobility. Building and maintaining muscle mass supports bone density, improves functional movement, and helps the body handle the physical demands of daily life.”
For a survivor, these functional improvements mean reclaiming the ability to navigate daily life with confidence and ease.
Reclaiming an Identity of Strength
What inspires Mathias most is the mental shift that occurs during the 12-week program. He knows that the physical work in the gym serves a much larger emotional purpose.
“My favorite part about working with participants is knowing that through committing to their fitness journey, there is going to be a moment when they stop thinking of themselves as patients and start thinking of themselves as someone who is getting stronger again,” he shared. His advice for anyone on the fence about starting? Just walk through the door.
“The hardest rep is always the first one,” Mathias said. “You don’t need to know what you’re doing. You don’t need to be in shape to start getting in shape. What you need is one coach who sees you, one community that supports you, and the willingness to show up one time and see what happens.”
Are you a cancer survivor in Tennessee looking to rebuild your strength? We are proud to partner with personal fitness trainers like Mathias who are dedicated to your recovery.
Learn more about our programs or apply today to start your journey.
